Medical research

Adipose-derived cells in osteoarthritis

Body fluids: sweet protection against infection?

Chief investigators: Packer, Nevalainen, Wilcox, Paulsen

Summary
We propose that the human innate immune system actually uses the infection mechanism of pathogens to its own advantage. The first step of bacterial and fungal infection is adhesion of the microorganism to the mucosal surface of the host epithelia.

We will show that secreted fluids that bathe these surfaces use these same protein-sugar interactions to bind the pathogens, which can then be expelled physically from the body. Tears and saliva will be used to determine whether their glycoproteins protect the eye and oral cavity respectively from infection by the main pathogens to which they are exposed. This knowledge will provide opportunities for the development of new and natural antimicrobial agents.

Grant details
Provided by: Australian Research Council Discovery Projects

Cortical link between cardiovascular health and mental illness

Chief investigators: Cornish, Haynes, Goodchild

Summary
We are using a novel integration of behavioural, cardiovascular and molecular techniques to discover the neurotransmitter and cellular basis of prefrontal cortex function. This will form part of a larger investigation to investigate in detail the neurotransmitters of the prefrontal cortex that regulate cardiovascular function and how changes to brain function (induced by methamphetamine exposure or environmental enrichment) alter the role of the prefrontal cortex and related circuits.

Grant details
Provided by: Macquarie University research and development grant